Over the next few weeks, Bradford Area High School students will be able to sort through as many as 150 formal dresses of all colors, designs and sizes to find the perfect look for prom night on May 4.
The gently used dresses, which are stored at the BAHS Boutique in the high school, are available to all students who want to attend the prom, but may not have the resources to purchase formal wear. The shop also has clothes for young men who want to attend in formal attire.
Bradford Area School District administrator Jennifer Morgan coordinates the boutique and said she and another staff member created the shop approximately seven years ago to supply dresses to any student who asks.
“We get donations (of dresses) from students, staff, people in the community and friends I see in the supermarket and random places,” Morgan said. “They ask if we’re still taking donations and if we still have the dress shop.”
Morgan said the dresses can be dropped off at the high school on Interstate Parkway to be added to the collection.
“We go through our inventory every year, because some dresses do go out of style,” Morgan continued. “We try to keep everything current.”
She said the dresses, which are “free for the taking” by any student, do not have to be returned. The dresses have also been used for Homecoming activities as well as Winter Carnival. Students can ask at the office for a dress, or can set up a time to visit the boutique after school. They can also visit the shop at other times during the week.
Morgan said if a student wants to have a dress cleaned, but is unable to do so, they can receive help with the expense.
“I know some staff have helped out with the expense of dry cleaning,” she continued. “If they need help, we find a way to do it.”
Students who helped model the dresses earlier this week and added comments about the program included Jordan Knight who said the boutique is a nice place “for people who are unable to afford dresses.”
Vanessa Boyle said she also likes the dresses and even planned to take a dress from the shop to wear to the prom.
Student Chyenne Smith said she thinks the boutique “is awesome — everybody gets to look beautiful on prom night.”
Another student, Karlie Deming said she believes the program is beneficial to all students.
“It helps to ensure everybody gets to enjoy the evening and it doesn’t exclude anyone,” Deming said.
Morgan said anyone who would like to donate a prom dress, or formal attire for young men, is asked to call the high school weekdays at 362-3845 to set up a time to drop the items off.
